Mariska Hargitay is heading to Broadway for the first time in her career.
The longtime “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star will make her debut in the solo play “Every Brilliant Thing,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Performances will begin May 26 at the Hudson Theatre in New York City, with a limited run scheduled through June 28.
The production marks a major milestone for Hargitay, who has spent decades as one of television’s most recognizable faces. Her move to the stage introduces a new chapter in her career, shifting from screen acting to a live, audience-driven format.
What ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ Is About
“Every Brilliant Thing” is a one-person play written by Duncan Macmillan and developed with Jonny Donahoe.
The story follows a child who creates a list of reasons to live while growing up with a mother struggling with depression. As the character ages, the list evolves, reflecting both personal hardship and moments of joy.
The production includes an interactive format. Audience members are invited to participate, creating a different experience at each performance.
Mariska Hargitay on the Role
Hargitay shared her reaction to the play in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I read Every Brilliant Thing and cried, rejoiced, laughed, cried some more, and loved it so much.”
She continued, “I’m always drawn to themes of healing and renewal, especially when the journey is rendered in all its complexity. It feels like an extraordinary gift to make my Broadway debut with a play that affirms life so beautifully. For me, the triumph of this beautiful piece of work, this luminous brilliant thing, is that through a deeply personal story, we experience the universal endeavor of keeping ourselves pointed towards light, compassion and hope.”
Daniel Radcliffe Previously Led the Production
Getty“Harry Potter’s” Daniel Radcliffe is currently performing “Every Brilliant Thing” at the Hudson Theatre.
His involvement brought renewed attention to the production and introduced the play to a wider audience.
Hargitay now steps into the same role, continuing the play’s tradition of rotating performers in the solo format.
A New Chapter Beyond Television
Hargitay is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” a performance that has defined her career for more than two decades.
In recent years, she has expanded into directing and producing. She made her feature directorial debut with “My Mom Jayne,” a documentary about her late mother, Jayne Mansfield.
Her producing credits include “I Am Evidence,” “Nuns vs. the Vatican,” “My Beautiful Stutter” and “Emanuel.”
Her Broadway debut signals a continued evolution in her career, as she takes on a new challenge in live theater.
Why This Role Stands Out
“Every Brilliant Thing” has earned acclaim for its intimate storytelling and emotional depth.
The play’s focus on mental health, resilience and human connection has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its stripped-down format places the performer at the center of the experience, making each performance deeply personal.
With Hargitay stepping into the role, the production will draw both theater audiences and longtime fans eager to see her in a new setting.
